DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2027 at University of Freiburg Fully Funded MSc in Environmental Governance for Developing Countries

Young professionals from developing countries who want to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable resource use can now prepare for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship to study the MSc Environmental Governance (MEG) at the University of Freiburg, Germany – one of Europe’s leading research universities.

This is a highly competitive, fully funded opportunity for candidates who already have professional experience and want to return home as sustainability leaders.

🌱 Programme at a Glance

Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Governance

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

Credits: 120 ECTS

Language of instruction: English

Annual intake: Approximately 35 students

Start date: October each year

Location: Freiburg, Germany

Tuition for regular students:

• EU citizens: No tuition fees
• Non-EU citizens: €1,500 per semester

✅ DAAD-EPOS scholars are fully exempt from these tuition fees.

About the DAAD-EPOS Scholarship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has selected the MSc Environmental Governance programme as a development-related postgraduate course, making it eligible for EPOS (Entwicklungsländerbezogene Postgraduiertenstudiengänge) scholarships.

The selection happens in two stages:

1. Pre-selection by the MEG programme committee
2. Final approval by DAAD

⚠️ This is a highly competitive process with strict requirements. You must meet both the DAAD EPOS criteria and the MEG admission criteria.

📅 Critical Timeline – Apply One Year Early!

For admission starting October 2027, the scholarship application window is:

🗓️ 15 June 2026 – 15 October 2026

Note: Scholarship applications must be submitted one full year before the programme begins.

Regular (non-scholarship) applications are due later: 15 May 2027.

The scholarship and programme applications are linked – your documents serve as an application for both.

✅ Who Can Apply? (Strict Eligibility)

You are eligible only if you meet ALL of the following:

RequirementDetailNationalityCitizen of a DAC-listed developing country (see DAAC list)Academic degreeBachelor's or higher, not older than 6 years at application (October 2026)Academic performanceAbove average – upper third of your classProfessional experienceMinimum 2 years of relevant work experience after Bachelor's (no internships or volunteer work)Residence in GermanyNo more than 15 months before the application deadlinePrevious Master's degreeIf you already hold a Master's, you must provide a strong, well-argued justification for funding another postgraduate degree

❌ Academic work (teaching, research at a university/institute) is generally not accepted as relevant experience, except in very rare cases.

📂 Application Process (Official)

Step 1 – Online Eligibility Assessment (OEA)

Complete the OEA on the MEG programme website.

Step 2 – Prepare One Single PDF

Compress or merge all required documents into one PDF file.

Step 3 – Send to the Official Email

Email your PDF to:

📧 info-megunr.uni-freiburg.de

Step 4 – Referees Send Letters Directly

Your referees must send their reference letters directly to the same email address, with the subject line:

MEG-DAAD Application referee / [full name of applicant]

⚠️ Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Do not send additional documents beyond those listed (e.g., DAAD project outline is not required).

📄 Required Application Documents

According to the official MEG website, you must include:

• Completed DAAD application form (specific to MEG)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – preferably using the Europass format
• Motivation letter – follow the official guideline for DAAD applicants
• University degree certificates (Bachelor's and/or Master's)
• Academic transcripts (with grading scale)
• Proof of relevant professional experience (minimum 2 years, post-Bachelor)
• Two letters of recommendation – sent directly by referees
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

All documents must be compressed into one single PDF before emailing.

💰 Financial Benefits of the DAAD-EPOS Scholarship

• Full tuition fee waiver (€1,500/semester for non-EU students is covered)
• Monthly living stipend (according to DAAD rates)
• Health insurance allowance
• Travel allowance (to/from Germany)
• Study and research allowance
• Additional DAAD benefits as per funding guidelines

Note: Exact amounts are determined by DAAD based on country of origin and family status.

🎯 Why Study Environmental Governance at Freiburg?

The MEG programme combines environmental science, governance, public policy, economics, and social sciences – all taught in English.

You will gain expertise in:

• Environmental policy analysis
• Climate governance
• Sustainable development planning
• International environmental agreements
• Natural resource management
• Institutional reform

Graduates go on to work in:

• Government agencies
• International organizations (UN, World Bank, etc.)
• NGOs
• Research institutions
• Private sector sustainability roles

⚠️ Important Notes from the Official Document

• The scholarship application deadline is 15 October 2026 – not May 2027.
• You cannot apply if you lack the 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Internships, volunteer work, and most academic positions do not count.
• If you already live in Germany for more than 15 months, you are not eligible.
• The selection is highly competitive – only the upper third of applicants academically will be considered.

🌍 A Life-Changing Opportunity for Future Leaders

The DAAD-EPOS scholarship at the University of Freiburg is not just a fully funded Master's degree – it is a launchpad for environmental leaders from developing countries. If you meet the strict eligibility criteria, start preparing your documents early.

👉 Attend the online info session (link on official MEG website)

👉 Complete your Online Eligibility Assessment

👉 Submit your single PDF before 15 October 2026

🔗 VISIT THE OFFICIAL MEG WEBSITE TO APPLY

Disclaimer: Examoo is not the offering organization. For inquiries, contact the University of Freiburg directly. Do not send applications to Examoo. Thank you for your understanding.